“Kennel Cough” or Tracheobronchitis and Coronavirus in Dogs

There’s been a LOT of confusion around pets and coronavirus lately. Heck, I’ve been writing newspaper columns and creating YouTube and Instagram videos (@DrErnieWard and Off Label Veterinary News) on this for the past month trying to dispel rumors and provide evidence-based information during this pandemic.

I ran across a recent social media post describing “coronavirus cough” in dogs. That’s true; dogs do get a form of coronavirus that can cause a dry, hacking cough. Let me be clear: This is NOT the same virus that causes Covid-19 coronavirus infection in people. This particular canine coronavirus is part of a group of pathogens that cause a chronic cough in dogs called “CIRD: Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease.” Many of us still call it “kennel cough.” (There’s also an intestinal form of coronavirus infection in dogs that causes mild diarrhea. There are a LOT of animal coronaviruses and only seven in humans. So far.) Again, neither of the dog (or cat) coronaviruses are causing the current human coronavirus pandemic. So, what’s all the fuss and confusion about CIRD or “kennel cough?”

What is CIRD or “kennel cough?”

“Kennel Cough” is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition of dogs where coughing is one of the major clinical signs. It is also referred to as infectious tracheobronchitis. The term tracheobronchitis describes the location of the infection in the trachea or "windpipe" and bronchial tubes.

Several viruses and bacteria can cause kennel cough, often at the same time. These include adenovirus type-2 (distinct from the adenovirus type 1 that causes infectious hepatitis in dogs), parainfluenza virus, coronavirus (canine respiratory coronavirus or CRCoV), and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. There’s also a couple of forms of canine influenza that are not technically part of CIRD, but can causing coughing, runny eyes, sneezing, and fever. More on that later.

Because the infection spreads when dogs are housed together, it is often seen soon after dogs have been in kennels, hence the name "kennel cough." I’ll say it again: You CAN’T get this from your dog. Period.

What are the clinical signs of “kennel cough” (CIRD) other than coughing?

Clinical signs may be variable. It is often a mild disease in most dogs, but the cough may be chronic, lasting for several weeks in some cases. Common clinical signs include a loud cough often describe as a "goose honk," runny eyes and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite and depressed behavior. Most dogs with infectious tracheobronchitis will cough when the throat is rubbed or palpated (“honk”). Often, the hacking cough caused by kennel cough will persist for several weeks after the infection has resolved.

How does a dog get “kennel cough?”

Kennel cough is very contagious, and dogs can readily transmit it by casual contact such as sniffing each other when on a walk, playing or sharing water dishes. And did I mention that you can’t get it from your dog? You can’t.

What is the treatment for infectious tracheobronchitis?

There is no specific treatment for the viral infections, but many of the more severe signs are due to bacterial involvement, particularly Bordetella bronchiseptica. Antibiotics are useful against this bacterium. Some cases require prolonged treatment, but most infections resolve within one to three weeks. Mild clinical signs may linger for several weeks even when the bacteria have been eliminated. Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medications may provide relief in some cases.

How can I prevent my dog contracting “kennel cough?”

Most vaccination programs your veterinarian will recommend include adenovirus and parainfluenza. Bordetella vaccination is also highly recommended for dogs that are boarded, groomed or interact with other dogs in areas such as dog parks. There’s also a vaccine for another highly infectious upper respiratory infection called canine influenza you should consider, especially if you travel with your dog.

How effective are these vaccines?

Immunity, even if the dog has experienced a natural infection, is neither solid nor long-lasting against these infections. Since immunity varies with the circumstances, consult with your veterinarian regarding specific vaccination recommendations for your pet. Some kennel facilities require a booster vaccination shortly before boarding and some veterinarians recommend a booster vaccine more frequently to ensure maximum protection against this troublesome infection.

How are the vaccines administered?

CIRD vaccination is given either by injection or intra-nasal route. Intra-nasal refers to the liquid vaccine administered as nose drops. This allows local immunity to develop on the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and windpipe where the infectious agents first attack and provides more rapid protection against infection than the injectable vaccine.

Be safe out there and give your pet a hug for me!

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